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Michael Faulkner (11) looks back on a high school and club career that is filled with championships, accolades and a little bit of history.

Private Thoughts

May 23 – Michael Faulkner wasn't born with a volleyball in her hands, but she grabbed one as soon as she could.

“I probably learned how to play volleyball before I knew how to walk,” says the 5'11” OH from St. Michael’s Academy and Austin Juniors. Of course that’s only to be expected when you grow with a mom who is a high school head coach.

“That gym was where I spent all of my time,” says Michael. “There was nothing to do but to copy the players, so I began peppering against the wall the moment I was old enough to figure out how. I began playing club when I was eight years old, so 12s was a four year process for me.”

It paid off. Michael played on four straight TAPPS state championship teams at St. Michael's where she compiled 1471 kills, 209 aces, 1455 digs and 100 blocks. And those stats weren’t just compiled on the private school circuit. During the four years she was a member of the St. Michael’s varsity, coach Michael Kane was not shy about throwing his team up against the state’s top 4A and 5A teams as well as many national powerhouses. Interestingly enough, had Michael not chosen to go the private school route she would have played for one of the state’s premier programs – Austin Westlake.

Since beginning her club career at age 8, Michael has been a fixture on Austin Juniors teams consistently ranked among the state's elite and a regular at the national championships since she was 10 (her 16s team finished 5th in Open). The honors are almost endless, including twice being named to our All-Texas team and recognized among the nation's best by PrepVolleyball.com.

Next month Michael will close out her club career at the national championships in Houston. In July she will end her high school career by becoming the first private school player to compete in the Texas Girls Coaches Association volleyball all-star game. A few weeks later it’s off to Wake Forest where she becomes a Demon Deacon.

Despite all the accolades, she takes her success in stride with a wit and an easy-going style that is all Michael Faulkner.

Michael, left, and little sister Dylan then and now: "my best friend..my twin."

Ask her about her career in youth soccer: “I was a stud,” she says. “I perfected the art of doing cartwheels and picking flowers in the grass while still being able to ‘focus’ on those intense five-year-old games.”

Or her fears: “One of my biggest fears is being attacked by an opossum, they really freak me out. I’m scared of a lot of things, but that is one of my more serious ones.”

Or her favorite foods: “If I could have any dessert in the entire world, made by the top chefs, I would still pick a Dairy Queen Reece’s Blizzard.”

Or what people would be surprised to know about her: “I had a mullet up until sixth grade. My Mom will tell you it was just thick bangs because deep down she feels horrible about letting me walk around in public like that for so many years, but it was truly a very ugly mullet.”

Or her philosophy of laugh and keep dancing… “pretty much all you can do with most situations in life, huh?”

So as she prepares for graduation, one final trip to the JOs and a chance to make history at this summer’s all-star game, we asked Michael to look back over her career and share her memories.

Did you play other sports when you were young?

I tried just about all the “basics” for a little kid. Volleyball was the only constant, but I went through tee ball, basketball and soccer. I played basketball through middle school but I decided to concentrate on volleyball when I started my freshmen year of high school.

Why volleyball?

There was never a question of which sport I would play. My younger sister Dylan and I were both born into it. Basketball was the only other serious attempt at another sport, but I knew before I tried out for the team that volleyball was my priority.

You played on four straight state championship teams. How did this past one compare with the others?

This past state championship can’t compare to the others. Every single one was different and each has its own special moments. But when that last play ended on the fourth consecutive championship it made the team goal and my goals reality. It was an overwhelming feeling of relief, accomplishment and gratitude.

Michael (#7) with her mullet and her first JO teammates including Jordan Elliott and Lindsey Louis at age 10 (above) and with Elliott, Louis and Jen Linder now (below). They've changed a little.

How did the high school season overall compare?

Each year was more difficult than the previous one because we became more of a target with all the publicity and coach (Michael) Kane made it a point to fill our schedule with some of the best teams in the nation. This past season was definitely the hardest of all. Not only was it the most difficult schedule we had ever faced but we had every injury imaginable. Our starting middle was out most of the season with mono. I had bronchitis for the first half of the season. The other outside had shoulder surgery. My sister’s nose was broken at one point… you name it, we were hit with it. All those obstacles made this season that much better. It was by far the most gratifying school season I experienced because we all had to push ourselves and adapt to situations that we were not comfortable with. It made our team and me much stronger players.

Did you ever wish you were playing for a public school like Westlake rather than a private school?

There are times that I wish I could experience going to a Westlake, but that is for the larger school experience alone. One of the main reasons that I am at St Michael's is so that I can play for coach Kane. I love the program that he has built and I love the kind of people that I am able to be teammates with. He really focuses on not only making you a better player but a better person off the court. As far as the level of play goes, it might be higher at a 5A school, maybe, but I play club with some of the best players in the nation. School ball is more about the relationships for me.

How did you feel when you learned you had been selected to play in the high school all-star game?

When I was little, my Mom used to take me to just about every single volleyball match that was going on in town. The only one that I clearly remember is the high school all-star game when I was six. I walked out of that gym and I told myself that I would play in that game one day. I made it a goal that day and I never forgot it. When I had to decide on where I was going to high school, one of the cons about going private was that I would never have the chance to play in that game. Sure, there is a private school all-star game, but it is not the all-star game that I had grown up watching. When coach Kane called me in and told me that I had been chosen, I was so excited. It was a goal that I had given up on because I didn’t think I was eligible. I am very fortunate and grateful to have a coach that believes in me that much.

Were you aware that you are the first private school player as far as anyone can tell to play in the game? How does that feel?

I think my coach told me that I was the first when he told me that I had been chosen to play. But, it didn’t really hit me until much later… the importance of that statement. I don’t think it will truly hit me as much as it should until I walk into the gym to play in the game. It is an honor. It feels so good to know that people are out there who believe in you and want you to succeed.

Michael and Dylan celebrate a fourth straight state championship with their fans.

What was the highlight of your high school career?

I have two. The first would be when my sister, who is a sophomore, made her emotional speech for me at our senior night. The second is at this years state championship (my last) when I looked over at the fans after the game and the boys basketball team had painted letters on their bodies that spelled out “Faulkner” with a bulls eye on the last guy — that was hilarious.

What has been the highlight of your club career?

Winning Lone Star my 16s year. I love that tournament and that year everything just clicked for us. It is in the best city in the world and we beat the Tornados in the championship (that is OK to say because I think that is just about the only time we beat them in the past three years).

Have there been any major disappointments?

All of the major disappointments that have happened, as far as losses go, we learn from it and try to change. They usually help us as the season goes on so I wouldn’t really say they are major. The only major disappointment was this year at Vegas when Lindsey (Louis) blew her ACL. Lindsey and I have played together since the very beginning and are very close. So that has been challenging to watch — it has taught me to not take any moment for granted. That lesson is invaluable.

Signing day for the future Demon Deacon with a little help from sis.

How did you make your college decision?

My college decision to go to Wake Forest was based on four categories—academic, athletic, spiritual and social. My Dad and I made a spreadsheet with these main categories, including others like location, dorm rooms, etc, and when we made visits to my top schools we “graded” those schools. Wake was the last unofficial visit I made. I didn’t have to grade it. I knew. Ten minutes after I had been on campus I knew Wake was the place for me, I had the feeling. Wake was very similar in athletics and academics to my second choice school, but what pushed Wake over the top was its involvement in community service. Not only with the athletes (the CHAMPS program) but the entire school. Community service is something that I feel is necessary in my life, to be able to give something back for being so blessed. Wake also has AIA (Athletes in Action) and most of the volleyball team participates. The only drawback is Wake is not in Texas with my family. But, five of the other team members next year are Texans and I hear it gets pretty hot and humid up there in the summers so I’ll feel right at home.

What other schools did you consider?

University of San Diego, University of Southern California, University of Virginia, Duke — those were the last schools that I had it narrowed down to when I went on my last visiting trip over spring break last year.

What do you think is the strength of your game?

In any game I can be off with something, whether it’s hitting, passing, serving (or all three) but I feel like I have become good at maintaining my composure and handling my mistakes well mentally.

What about weaknesses? What part of your game do you want to improve?

I want to improve every single aspect of my game. I am always pushing myself to perfect every shot, every pass. I am my biggest critic and that can be a good thing and a bad thing at times. If I hit a sharp cross court shot I want to make it sharper. If I pass a ball three feet off the net, I want to get it two feet off. I guess being a perfectionist can help in some situations, but I put a lot of pressure on myself. I’m learning to let some of it go and just relax and play. It’s a lot more fun that way.

Growing up did you have any sports heroes?

Susan Chrisman on the UT volleyball team. My family went to every UT home match when Mick Haley was coaching. My dad would tell me the story every time of how she walked on to the team and worked so hard that not only was she starting but they couldn’t afford for her to not be in the passing pattern. I always admired her hard work and how she handled herself on the court. Oh, Demetria Sance was pretty good too.

What about people who have been influential in your volleyball career?

In addition to the people that I have mentioned, I would like to thank Angel Spassov, my trainer, for pushing me to be the best athlete that I can be and Glen Lietzke for encouraging me to loosen up, be myself and play because its fun. Brent Voth, a manual therapist, who works miracles on knotted and stressed muscles and joints. My club team that I have played with for so long and has helped me learn so much about relationships on and off the court. All of my previous coaches and teammates. And the Wake Forest coaches Valorie Baker, Melissa Batie and Heather Kahl who believe in me and are giving me such a huge opportunity to play D1.

Who have been your role models?

My role models are my family. My dad is McGyver. I swear he knows everything about anything and he has a good heart. He always does the right thing, makes the right choice and knows what to say. My mom is a petite, gorgeous, blonde but she is the strongest person I know. She is a breast cancer survivor and has lived through so many hard situations and dealt with them all like she does daily, with a positive passion for life. And she has the cutest shoes, ask anyone. My sister is my best friend, my “twin.” We are so close that I am trying to convince her to come to college with me. She has the prettiest smile and it is constantly on her face, she loves to laugh and she doesn’t care what anyone thinks. She teaches me to be carefree and happy.

What is the biggest misconception people have about you?

People that see me play think that I am mean. I focus and play with intensity. I don’t know if I make mean faces on the court or something. But, if I meet someone later that has watched me they always say, “I thought you would be mean.” It never fails. In reality I am very bad at being mean to people, I just can’t do it. It’s not something you would want to be good at I guess. It would be nice to think of a good comeback at least once.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals?

I don’t have a specific superstition, the only thing I try to do is wear my pink sports bra on the last day of the tournament. Since it’s usually the most important day, I guess that makes it my lucky sports bra. But I don’t hyperventilate about it. Oh, I do like to eat a lot before games. I think that is a requirement for any volleyball player. They should add that into tryouts, “How much can you eat?” My teammates and I would definitely make the top team every time.

Who is the toughest player you ever played against?

My sister, Dylan. I think it’s the whole mental thing that I have to beat her because she’s younger. I absolutely hate it when we scrimmage her team. Somehow she blocks me at least twice every time we play. I think I subconsciously let her because any other player I have faced it always pushes me harder and I have never felt that I couldn’t compete with them. It’s one of those sister things.

At 10, Michael takes a set from Katie Hirsch. Years later the combo would lead St. Michael's to four straight state titles.

What the greatest play you ever made?

My greatest play was when I was on 13s and I ran for a ball backwards, crashed in to the ball catcher and somehow ended up inside it with each one of my feet through the opposite holes in the bottom of the catcher. I didn’t get the ball up. I was always amazed at how I managed to get in that thing. Also the last play of this year’s state championship ended with Katie Hirsch setting me and I got a kill. It wasn’t even a hard kill, I think I hit the tape in fact, but it was the perfect way to end it. Katie and I were the two freshmen on varsity that have been through all four championships together.

Do you remember any embarrassing moments?

OH, way too many!!! Most recent — I took a spring break senior girls trip with two of my friends to Playa del Carmen. We were at the resort’s dance club one night and this huge guy comes up to me. Now he is a very bad dancer and he knows it, so he is making fun of himself by doing the tango to these rap songs. I think this is cool so I join him and everything is good until he tries to dip me. I flip over his knee land on my back and pull him down with me. It was a bad fall. So there I am squashed on the middle of the dance floor with everyone in the entire club doing their gasp reaction, and my two friends are pointing and crying they are laughing so hard. That was a hard one to play off, but I laughed and kept dancing—pretty much all you can do with most situations in life huh?

What are your favorite foods? Hobbies? Type of Music?

The perfect meal would have to be my mom’s chicken enchiladas with my dad’s special candied BBQ bacon beans and my mom’s chocolate chip cookies. You haven’t lived until you have eaten her cookies. I’ve never really had time for hobbies other than volleyball. I like to shop, especially for shoes (does that count as a hobby?) I just like being with my friends and family. I love my “daddy dates.” We go to dinner and a movie about once a month. I’m pretty open-minded about music, I like all kinds. Although I have officially banned the oldies station when I’m in the car with my mom.

What advice would you give others who want to be like Michael Faulkner?

You might not be as tall or gifted as your competitor, but you can always outwork them.

Honors and Awards

2003 - 2004
ST. MICHAEL’S ACADEMY SENIOR SEASON - Team Captain
Team MVP, 2003
TGCA (TEXAS GIRLS COACHING ASS.) ALL STAR- 1st private school athlete chosen
TAPPS 5A ALL STAR
ALL CENTEX TEAM,2003 CenTex Media & Coaches Poll
ALL TEXAS TEAM LoneStar Volleyball (2nd Consecutive Year)
TOP 150 USA SENIORS, Class of 2004 Prepvolleyball.com
STATE CHAMPIONS 5A TAPPS 1st Team, All State
1st Team, All District
Outstanding Hitter, District
All Tournament Selections:
State All Tournament Team (4th yr)
Wimberley “TexFest” Tourney
Hays “RebelFest” Tourney

2002 - 2003
CLUB SEASON:
Austin Junior Volleyball Junior Olympics 17 Open
SMA JUNIOR SEASON:
Team MVP, 2002
ALL TEXAS TEAM LoneStarVolleyball
TOP 50 USA JUNIORS, Class of 2004 Student Sports. Com
ALL CENTEX TEAM, 2002 CenTex Media & Coaches Poll
STATE CHAMPIONS 5A TAPPS MVP STATE, TAPPS 5A
1st Team, All State
1st Team, All District
All Tournament Selections:
State All Tournament Team
Hays “RebelFest” Tourney
Wimberley “TexFest” Tourney
USC Volleyball Camp 2002 Gatorade Award

2001 - 2002
CLUB SEASON:
Austin Junior Volleyball Junior Olympics 16 Open 5th in Nation
SMA SOPHOMORE SEASON :
Team MVP, 2001
ALL CENTEX TEAM, 2001 CenTex Media & Coaches Poll
CENTEX SOPHOMORE of the YEAR CenTex Media & Coaches Poll
STATE CHAMPIONS 4A TAPPS 1st Team, All State
District MVP
All District, 1st Team
All Tournament Selections:
State All Tournament Team
Hays “RebelFest” Tourney
Wimberley “TexFest” Tourney
Hutto Invitational

2000 – 2001
USAV HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM SUMMER 2001
CLUB SEASON:
Austin Junior Volleyball Junior Olympics 15 Open 10th in nation
All Tournament Selections: Junior Olympics 15 Open
3rd Coast 17’s Division
Texas Championship Series
SMA FRESHMAN SEASON:
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 4A TAPPS 1st Team, All State
DISTRICT CHAMPIONS All District, 1st Team
All Tournament Selections:
State All Tournament Team
Castle Hills Tournament
Ft.Worth Christian Tourney
Best Offensive Player Award
USAV HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM SUMMER 2000

1999 – 2000
CLUB SEASON:
Austin Junior Volleyball Junior Olympics 14 Open